China - Tour Destination

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China is one of the most immense and diverse nations on earth. It would take a lifetime to visit every corner of this great nation but by combining two of the finest birding hotspots in Asia at the peak time of migration with the Great Wall of China and vast lands of the Tibetan Plateau this is a tour offers an unforgettable journey!

Beginning in Xining, Qinghai’s provincial capital, our adventure takes us to the fabled Koko Nor, a vast lake on the north-eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. In Qinghai we will explore some of the most pristine and remote regions of China, all the while enjoying the relatively mild climate when breeding residents are still present on territory and northern migrants often pass through in good numbers. The sheer joy of being in a wild place with vast open areas while searching for some of China’s most sought-after bird species such as Henderson’s Ground-Jay, Wallcreeper, Tibetan Snowcock, Crested Tit-Warbler, the monotypic Przevalski’s Rosefinch, and Black-necked Crane makes this portion of the tour simply amazing.

Migration is at its peak in October along the eastern coast of China and there is no better place to experience this incredible natural gathering of migrants than on Happy Island. Just about every conceivable eastern Palaearctic migrant passes by the island offering eastern birding at its very best and we plan to take full advantage of this natural avian spectacle. We will search for Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, Pied Harrier and a vast selection of Siberian passerines including Siberian Rubythroat, the charming Rufous-tailed Robin and an impressive array of warblers and buntings. Five species of cranes and Oriental Stork are also possible. Bays and mudflats are a magnet for shorebirds and other specials including the endangered Saunders’ and Relict Gulls. We also make a pilgrimage to the famous Great Wall, snaking into the mountains, whilst searching for the incredible Red-billed Blue Magpie and Vinous-throated Parrotbill amongst many other species. Cultural activities during a day of exploring the highlights of Beijing include visiting the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Buddhist Lama Temple.

Please contact us for the detailed itineraries for these tours.

tour name & dates for 2011	Manchuria & Tibetan Plateau: 27 April - 17 May (21 days) Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension: 16 - 27 April (11 days)
tour cost for 2011	Manchuria & Tibetan Plateau: US$ 6,675 pp; US$ 800 ss Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension: US$ 3,475 pp; US 350 ss
max group size	Manchuria & Tibetan Plateau: 12 & 2 Rockjumper leaders Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension: 8 & 1 Rockjumper leader
tour leaders	Manchuria & Tibetan Plateau: Jesper Hornskov & TBA Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension: Simon Bellingham
habitats covered	mudflats, marshes, lakes, montane forests, Tibetan plateau, semi-desert
climate	temperate to very cold conditions with snow
tour pace & walking	moderate pace, moderate walking with tougher hiking at high altitudes; Giant Panda tracking will involve some long hikes over steep and densely forested terrain
accomodation	basic but comfortable
ease of birding	not challenging
no. of species	China - Manchuria & Tibetan Plateau: 250 - 300+, Giant Panda Extension: 130 - 170
top mammals	Giant Panda, Takin, Blue Sheep, Kiang, Wolf and possibly Snow Leopard
other attractions	Lake Koko Nor, wild Tibetian Plateau, Happy Island, Great Wall of China, Forbidden Palace,Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, great shopping
photographic opportunities	excellent

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